Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer

Did you know that commercial trucks weigh about 20 to 30 times heavier than passenger cars at approximately 80,000 pounds? Due to the vulnerability of people traveling in smaller cars, the impact of a truck accident can leave serious damage. Commercial truck drivers are often on the road for long periods of time, weeks or even months. Since they are paid to deliver goods, drivers are frequently working on tight deadlines. Due to the rough lifestyle of truck driving, many drivers have been reported to speed or fall asleep behind the wheel- causing serious accidents.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you’ll need an experienced truck accident attorney by your side. Truck companies have their own lawyers fighting for their companies to ensure they either give you very little compensation or don’t pay you at all. Our experienced truck accident attorneys at Mesriani Law Group will negotiate aggressively on your behalf and ensure you get the maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule your free legal consultation.

What is Considered a Commercial Truck Accident?

A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is any truck driven for business purposes rather than personal use. These vehicles are designed to transport commercial goods or provide specialized services. Common types of commercial trucks include:

• Semi-trucks, Big Rigs, and 18-wheelers

• Tractor-trailers and Flatbeds

• Dump Trucks and Heavy Haulers

• Refrigerator (Reefer) Trucks

Because of their size, CMV drivers must adhere to strict rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations include mandatory Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exams, specific Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements, and rigorous standards for vehicle maintenance and “Hours of Service.”

Why Truck Accident Claims are Different

If you’ve been hit by a commercial truck, you are facing a much more complex legal battle than a standard fender-bender:

• Massive Insurance Policies: Commercial policies often reach into the millions. Insurance adjusters will use aggressive tactics to protect these funds, offering “quick settlements” that are usually a fraction of what your case is worth.

• Federal Regulations (FMCSA): We investigate logbooks to see if a driver was coerced by their employer to drive beyond legal limits to meet a delivery deadline.

• Multiple Liable Parties: Responsibility may extend far beyond the driver. We investigate the trucking company, the cargo loaders, the vehicle manufacturer, and even the company leasing the trailer.

How a Mesriani Truck Accident Attorney Protects You

Once you become a client, our legal team begins an exhaustive investigation to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. Our process includes:

• Evidence Preservation: We immediately send a spoliation letter to the trucking company. This legally mandates that they preserve driver logs, maintenance records, and “black box” data (ECM/EDR) that they might otherwise destroy as part of their routine business procedures.

• Expert Consultation: We work with accident reconstruction experts to recreate the crash scene and determine exactly how the collision occurred.

• Deep-Dive Discovery: Our attorneys review video footage, interview witnesses, analyze medical records, and obtain drug/alcohol test results from the truck driver.

• Aggressive Negotiation: We handle the insurance adjusters who are trained to minimize your claim, ensuring your voice is heard and your losses are fully covered.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Crashes

Establishing the “why” is the key to proving negligence. Common factors in Southern California truck accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Driving long distances with minimal rest leads to decreased coordination and falling asleep at the wheel.

• Improperly Loaded Cargo: Unsecured or unbalanced loads can cause a truck to jackknife or lose control.

• Equipment Failure: Neglecting brake maintenance or using defective tires to save time and money.

• Distracted Driving: Texting or using social media during long, monotonous hauls.

Recovering Damages from a Truck Accident Lawsuit

We fight to recover both economic (tangible) and non-economic (subjective) damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In cases of extreme recklessness, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the defendant and prevent future negligence.

The 2-Year Rule: In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Delaying can lead to lost evidence and a dismissed case.

Contact Our Top-Rated Truck Accident Team

At Mesriani Law Group, we operate on a contingency basis. This means we offer a No Win, No Fee policy—you don’t pay us a cent unless we successfully obtain a settlement or verdict for you.

Call (866) 500-7070 today for a free consultation with an experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyer.